U.S. patent application number 09/803985 was filed with the patent office on 2001-08-02 for electronic mail system.
This patent application is currently assigned to MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.. Invention is credited to Bando, Tatsuo, Sawada, Toshisa, Toyoda, Kiyoshi.
Application Number | 20010010715 09/803985 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 12730610 |
Filed Date | 2001-08-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010010715 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Toyoda, Kiyoshi ; et
al. |
August 2, 2001 |
Electronic mail system
Abstract
An electronic mail system connected to a network includes a
section for converting an image of a document surface into
corresponding document image data, and a section for compressing
the document image data into compression-resultant image data. The
electronic mail system also includes a section for converting the
compression-resultant image data into corresponding image data of a
given electronic-mail format, a section for receiving information
of an electronic-mail destination address, and a section for
transmitting the image data of the electronic-mail format toward
the electronic-mail destination address via the network. The
electronic mail system may further include a section for receiving
image data in an electronic mail, a section for converting the
received image data into corresponding received image data of a
given facsimile format, a section for expanding the received image
data of the facsimile format into expansion-resultant image data,
and a section for printing the expansion-resultant image data.
Inventors: |
Toyoda, Kiyoshi; (Tokyo,
JP) ; Bando, Tatsuo; (Tokyo, JP) ; Sawada,
Toshisa; (Chiba, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GREENBLUM & BERNSTEIN
1941 ROLAND CLARKE PLACE
RESTON
VA
20191
|
Assignee: |
MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO.,
LTD.
Osaka
JP
|
Family ID: |
12730610 |
Appl. No.: |
09/803985 |
Filed: |
March 13, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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09803985 |
Mar 13, 2001 |
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09210377 |
Dec 14, 1998 |
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6229884 |
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09210377 |
Dec 14, 1998 |
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08608199 |
Feb 28, 1996 |
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5881233 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
379/100.08 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 2201/0018 20130101;
H04N 2201/002 20130101; H04N 1/32411 20130101; H04N 1/32358
20130101; H04N 1/32641 20130101; H04N 1/32614 20130101; H04N
1/00212 20130101; H04N 2201/3283 20130101; H04N 2201/0068 20130101;
H04N 1/00217 20130101; H04N 1/00214 20130101; H04N 2201/0086
20130101; H04N 1/00209 20130101; H04N 2201/0067 20130101; H04N
2201/3267 20130101; H04N 2201/0094 20130101; H04N 2201/3264
20130101; H04N 1/32662 20130101; H04N 1/32128 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
379/100.08 |
International
Class: |
H04M 011/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 6, 1995 |
JP |
7-45847 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An electronic-mail apparatus comprising: accepting means for
accepting one or more pages of image data scanned from one or more
pages of paper documents; file format converting means for
converting the accepted one or more pages of image data into a file
format capable of including a plurality of image data in a file;
mail format converting means for converting the image data
converted into the file format into an electronic-mail format;
destination address acquiring means or acquiring a destination
address of an electronic-mail; and electronic-mail transmitting
means for transmitting the image data converted into the
electronic-mail format to the acquired destination address.
2. The electronic-mail apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said
file format converting means converts one or more pages of image
data into a file in accordance with tagged image file format.
3. The electronic-mail apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said
mail format converting means comprises means for converting the
image data converted into the file format into a text code; and
adding means for adding a header including a destination address, a
sender address, a data format and a conversion manner into the text
code to the image data converted into the text code.
4. The electronic-mail apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the
conversion manner into the text code and a header format conform to
a MIME (Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions) format.
5. The electronic-mail apparatus according to claim 1, further
comprising: an operation panel having an inputting key to input a
destination address of an electronic-mail, wherein said destination
address acquiring means acquires the destination address of the
electronic-mail from said inputting key.
6. The electronic-mail apparatus according to claim 1, further
comprising: character recognizing means for recognizing a character
code sequence described in a predetermined position in the image
data accepted by said accepting means as a destination address of
an electronic-mail, wherein said destination address acquiring
means acquires the destination address of the electronic-mail from
said character recognizing means.
7. The electronic-mail apparatus according to claim 1, further
comprising: an electronic-mail receiver for receiving an
electronic-mail transmitted from a sender via a communication
network; an analyzer for analyzing a character code sequence
included in the received electronic-mail; and command executing
means for executing processing corresponding to the analyzed
result.
8. The electronic-mail apparatus according to claim 7, further
comprising: a memory to register data that said command executing
means captured from the received electronic-mail corresponding to
the analyzed result.
9. The electronic-mail apparatus according to claim 8, wherein said
command executing means captures a list of destination addresses
from the received electronic-mail to store in said memory
corresponding to the analyzed result, and said electronic-mail
apparatus further comprising: display means for reading out the
list of destination addresses from said memory to display.
10. The electronic-mail apparatus according to claim 8, wherein
said command executing means captures the list of destination
addresses and a sender ID from the received electronic-mail
corresponding to the analyzed result, and correlates the captured
list of destination addresses with the captured sender ID to store
in said memory, and said electronic-mail apparatus further
comprising: means for inputting the sender ID; display means for
reading out the list of destination addresses correlated with the
inputted sender ID from said memory to display; and means for
selecting a destination address from the displayed list of
destination addresses to input to said destination address
acquiring means.
11. The electronic-mail apparatus according to claim 8, wherein
said command executing means captures a sender address from the
received electronic-mail corresponding to the analyzed result to
store in said memory, and said electronic-mail apparatus further
comprising: display means for reading out the sender address from
said memory to display.
12. The electronic-mail apparatus according to claim 8, wherein
said command executing means captures a sender address and a sender
ID from the received electronic-mail corresponding to the analyzed
result, and correlates the captured sender address with the
captured sender ID to store in said memory, and said
electronic-mail apparatus further comprising: means for inputting
the sender ID; and display means for reading out the sender address
correlated with the inputted sender ID from said memory to
display.
13. The electronic-mail apparatus according to claim 8, wherein
said command executing means captures a sender address and a sender
ID from the received electronic-mail corresponding to the analyzed
result, and correlates the captured sender address with the
captured sender ID to store in said memory, and said
electronic-mail apparatus further comprising: means for inputting
the sender ID; and means for reading out the sender address
correlated with the inputted sender ID from said memory to input to
said mail format converting means.
14. The electronic-mail apparatus according to claim 1, further
comprising: means for inputting audio data; and means for
synthesizing the inputted audio data and the image data converted
into said electronic-mail format to obtain a single
electronic-mail.
15. The electronic-mail apparatus according to claim 1, further
comprising: means for inputting moving-picture data; and means for
synthesizing the inputted moving-picture data and the image data
converted into said electronic-mail format to obtain a single
electronic-mail.
16. The electronic-mail apparatus according to claim 1, further
comprising: means for recognizing a country to transmit using the
acquired destination address; means for setting a transmission time
according to a standard time in the recognized country; and means
for providing a transmission instruction to said electronic-mail
transmitting means when the set transmission time accords with a
present time in the recognized country.
17. The electronic-mail apparatus according to claim 1, further
comprising: an electronic-mail receiver for receiving an
electronic-mail transmitted from a sender via a communication
network; and failure detecting means for detecting a transmission
failure by analyzing a header of an electronic-mail received by
said electronic-mail receiver.
18. The electronic-mail apparatus according to claim 17, further
comprising: a printer for printing a message indicative of the
transmission failure when the transmission failure is detected by
said failure detecting means.
19. An electronic-mail apparatus comprising: an electronic-mail
receiver for receiving an electronic-mail including one or more
pages of image data; image data included in the received
electronic-mail into a data format appreciate for an output format;
and outputting means for outputting the image data in the converted
data format.
20. The electronic-mail apparatus according to claim 19, wherein
said mail format converting means comprises data format determining
means for determining a data format of image data included in the
received electronic-mail; image extracting means for extracting
image data from said received electronic-mail when it is determined
that said received electronic-mail includes image data converted
into a text code; and means for converting the extracted image data
in the text code into image data of binary data.
21. The electronic-mail apparatus according to claim 20, wherein
said outputting means has a printer for printing image data, and
said electronic-mail apparatus further comprising: expanding means
for expanding the image data or binary data to provide to said
printer.
22. The electronic-mail apparatus according to claim 20, wherein
said outputting means has a facsimile transmitting unit for
transmitting the image data via a public switched telephone
networks according to a facsimile procedure.
23. The electronic-mail apparatus according to claim 19, further
comprising: a memory in which one or more electronic-mail addresses
of one or more terminals and flag data indicating whether or not
said terminals require a reception notification mail are
registered; means for, when an electronic-mail with the
electronic-mail address of either of said terminals as a
destination address is received, checking whether or not the
terminal of the destination address requires the reception
notification mail using said flag data; and reception notifying
means for, when the terminal of the destination address requires
the reception notification mail, reading the electronic-mail
address of the terminal from said memory and transmitting the
reception notification mail.
24. The electronic-mail apparatus according to claim 19, further
comprising: an analyzer for analyzing a character code sequence
included in the received electronic-mail; and command executing
means for setting flag data indicative or requiring a reception
notification mail corresponding to an electronic-mail address of a
sender terminal to store in said memory.
25. The electronic-mail apparatus according to claim 24, wherein
said command executing means deletes the flag data in said memory
according to the analyzed result.
26. The electronic-mail apparatus according to claim 19, further
comprising: image holding means for having a plurality of mail
boxes corresponding to a plurality of electronic-mail addresses
that said electronic-mail apparatus holds, wherein each of said
mail boxes has a different pass word; means for, when an
electronic-mail with an electronic-mail address that said
electronic-mail apparatus holds as a destination address is
received, storing image data included in the received
electronic-mail in a corresponding mail box means for inputting the
pass word; and means for capturing the image data from the mail box
having the inputted pass word to provide to said outputting
means.
27. The electronic-mail apparatus according to claim 26, further
comprising: means for providing cover sheet data corresponding to
the inputted pass word along with the image data.
28. The electronic-mail apparatus according to claim 19, further
comprising: means for storing header data of the electronic-mail
received by said electronic-mail receiver; means for adding a
reception ID to the image data included in said received
electronic-mail; and a printer for printing the image data to which
the reception ID is added.
29. The electronic-mail apparatus according to claim 28, further
comprising: means for inputting the reception ID; means for
capturing a sender address from a header of the received
electronic-mail including the image data to which the inputted
reception ID is added; and mail transmitting means for transmitting
a reception result mail using the captured sender address as a
destination address.
30. The electronic-mail apparatus according to claim 19, further
comprising: means or capturing a sender address from a header of
the received electronic-mail; and mail transmitting means for
transmitting the reception result mail using the captured sender
address as a destination address.
31. The electronic-mail apparatus according to claim 1, further
comprising: an electronic-mail receiver for receiving an
electronic-mail including one or more pages of image data; inverse
mail format converting means for converting the image data included
in the received electronic-mail into a data format appreciate for
an output format; and outputting means for outputting the image
data in the converted data format.
32. A method for transmitting image data using an electronic-mail
system comprising the steps of: accepting one or more pages of
image data scanned from one or more pages or paper documents;
converting the accepted one or more pages of image data into a file
format capable of including a plurality of image data in a file;
converting the image data converted into the file format into an
electronic-mail format; acquiring a destination address of an
electronic-mail; and transmitting the image data converted into the
electronic-mail format to the acquired destination address.
33. A method for receiving image data using an electronic-mail
system comprising the steps of: receiving an electronic-mail
including one or more pages of image data; converting the image
data included in the received electronic-mail into a data format
appreciate for an output format; and outputting the image data in
the converted data format.
Description
[0001] This is a continuation of U.S. Application Ser. No.
09/210,377, filed Dec. 14, 1998 which is a division of Application
Ser. No. 09/608,199, filed Feb. 28, 1996, (now U.S. Pat. No.
5,881,233) the contents of which are expressly incorporated herein
in their entireities.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] This invention relates to an electronic mail system which
can handle image information.
[0004] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0005] Japanese published unexamined patent application 2-172348
discloses a facsimile apparatus which includes an interlace for
connection with a computer network, and a controller for enabling
an electronic mail to be outputted to the computer network via the
interface. The facsimile apparatus is also connected to a telephone
line to receive and output image information from and to the
telephone line. In Japanese application 2-172348, the electronic
mail outputted to the computer network represents a facsimile
transmission result report or a facsimile reception result report
rather than image information.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 5,479,411 discloses that voice, facsimile, and
electronic mail messaging is integrated in a system which converts
e-mail messages into voice-and-fax messages. An e-mall message is
parsed into voiceable, prose, segments and non-voiceable,
non-prose, segments. Prose segments are converted into voice
message segments via text-to-speech facilities. Each non-prose
segment is converted into a fax segment. Voice pointers to fax
segments are Inserted into the voice message, in places
corresponding to the non-prose segments in the e-mail message. The
voice file and fax file are then stored for subsequent delivery of
the message as an integrated voice-and-fax message. Conversion of
integrated voice-and-fax messages into e-mail messages is likewise
envisioned.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] It is an object of this invention to provide an improved
electronic mail system.
[0008] A first aspect of this invention provides an electronic mail
system connected to a network which comprises means for converting
an image of a document surface into corresponding document image
data, means for compressing the document image data into
compression-resultant image data; means for converting the
compression-resultant image data into corresponding image data of a
given electronic-mail format; means for receiving information of an
electronic-mail destination address; and means for transmitting the
image data of the electronic-mail format toward the electronic-mail
destination address via the network.
[0009] A second aspect of this invention is based on the first
aspect thereof, and provides an electronic mail system further
comprising means for receiving image data in an electronic mail:
means for converting the received image data into corresponding
received image data of a given facsimile format; means for
expanding the received image data of the facsimile format into
expansion-resultant image data; and means for printing the
expansion-resultant image data.
[0010] A third aspect of this invention is based on the first
aspect thereof, and provides an electronic mail system further
comprising means for transmitting character code data by an
electronic mail.
[0011] A fourth aspect of this invention is based on the first
aspect thereof, and provides an electronic mail system wherein the
destination-address receiving means comprises means for recognizing
an electronic-mail destination address in a given position of the
image data.
[0012] A fifth aspect of this invention is based on the first
aspect thereof, and provides an electronic mail system further
comprising means for receiving information of an electronic-mail
sender address as information of an electronic-mail source address,
and means for, in cases where a transmission failure occurs,
informing the electronic-mail source address of the transmission
failure.
[0013] A sixth aspect of this invention is based on the first
aspect thereof, and provides an electronic mail system further
comprising means for receiving audio data, means for integrating
the audio data and the image data into integration-resultant data,
and means for transmitting the integration-resultant data as a
single electronic mail.
[0014] A seventh aspect of this invention is based on the first
aspect thereof, and provides an electronic mail system further
comprising means for receiving moving-picture data, means for
integrating the moving-picture data and the image data into
integration-resultant data, and means for transmitting the
integration-resultant data as a single electronic mail.
[0015] An eighth aspect of this invention is based on the third
aspect thereof, and provides an electronic mail system further
comprising means for analyzing a character sequence in a given
position of received character code data, and means for
implementing a process in response to a result of said
analyzing.
[0016] A ninth aspect of this invention is based on the eighth
aspect thereof, and provides an electronic mail system further
comprising means for, in cases where the analyzed character
sequence indicates registration of a destination mail address,
registering sender ID information in a subsequent character
sequence and a plurality of destination mail addresses while
providing a correspondence relation between the sender ID
information and the destination mail addresses, and means for, in
cases where sender ID information is received during mail
transmission and the sender ID information is equal to the
registered sender ID information, indicating the corresponding
destination mail addresses and selecting a necessary destination
from among the destination mail addresses.
[0017] A tenth aspect of this invention is based on the eighth
aspect thereof, and provides an electronic mail system further
comprising means for, in cases where the analyzed character
sequence indicates registration of a source mail address,
registering sender ID information in a subsequent character
sequence and a source mail address while providing a correspondence
relation between the sender ID information and the source mail
address, and means for, in cases where sender ID information is
received during mail transmission and the sender ID information is
equal to the registered sender ID information, receiving the
corresponding source mail address as a source.
[0018] An eleventh aspect of this invention is based on the ninth
aspect thereof, and provides an electronic mail system further
comprising means for, in cases where sender ID information is
received during mail transmission and the sender ID information is
equal to the registered sender ID information, writing information
of a source mail address corresponding to the sender ID information
into a header of a mail as a source.
[0019] A twelfth aspect of this invention is based on the second
aspect thereof, and provides an electronic mail system further
comprising means for providing a connection to a telephone line,
and means for selectively transmitting the image data via the
connection to the telephone line according to a facsimile procedure
or via the network according to an electronic-mail procedure.
[0020] A thirteenth aspect of this invention is based on the
twelfth aspect thereof, and provides an electronic mail system
further comprising means for analyzing a character sequence in a
given position of character code data in a received electronic
mail, means for, in cases where the analyzed character sequence
indicates wait for facsimile data reception, recognizing a notice
electronic-mail address in a subsequent character sequence, means
for, in cases where image data is received via the connection to
the telephone line according to a facsimile procedure after the
notice electronic-mail address is recognized, transmitting an
electronic mail representative of a reception notice to the notice
electronic-mail address.
[0021] A fourteenth aspect of this invention is based on the
twelfth aspect thereof, and provides an electronic mail system
further comprising means for analyzing a first character sequence
in a given position of a header of image data in a received
electronic mail, means for, in cases where the analyzed character
sequence indicates facsimile transmission, recognizing a second
character sequence in a given position of the header except the
first character sequence as a facsimile number, and means for
transmitting the received image data toward the facsimile number
via the connection to the telephone line according to a facsimile
procedure.
[0022] A fifteenth aspect of this invention is based on the first
aspect thereof, and provides an electronic mail system further
comprising means for identifying a country having a destination in
response to the destination address, means for generating
information of standard time in the identified country, and means
for transmitting the image data as an electronic mail at a desired
moment expressed according to the standard time in the identified
country.
[0023] A sixteenth aspect of this invention is based on the second
aspect thereof, and provides an electronic mail system further
comprising means for registering a plurality of electronic-mail
addresses, means for storing and managing image data transmitted by
an electronic mail for each of the electronic-mail addresses, means
for setting pass words for the respective electronic-mail
addresses, and means for outputting the stored image data when a
related pass word is received.
[0024] A seventeenth aspect of this invention is based on the
sixteenth aspect thereof, and provides an electronic mail system
further comprising means for generating information of a cover
sheet for each of the electronic-mail addresses, and means for
adding the information of the cover sheet and outputting a
resultant of said adding.
[0025] An eighteenth aspect of this invention is based on the
second aspect thereof, and provides an electronic mail system
further comprising means for, in cases where a first electronic
mail is received, transmitting a second electronic mail
representative of reception of the first electronic mail to a
sender electronic-mail address related to the first electronic
mail.
[0026] A nineteenth aspect of this invention is based on the second
aspect thereof, and provides an electronic mail system further
comprising means for writing reception ID information for each
received electronic mail, means for providing a correspondence
relation between a sender electronic-mail address related to the
received electronic mail and reception ID information, and means
for, in cases where the reception ID information is received,
transmitting a conformation electronic mail to the sender
electronic-mail address.
[0027] A twentieth aspect of this invention is based on the second
aspect thereof, and provides an electronic mail system further
comprising means for, in cases where transmission of a received
electronic mail fails, printing information representative of a
transmission failure, and means for outputting information of a
first page of the image data.
[0028] A twenty-first aspect of this invention is based on the
first aspect thereof, and provides an electronic mail system
further comprising means for receiving character code data by an
electronic mail.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0029] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic mail system
according to a first embodiment of this invention.
[0030] FIG. 2 is a flowchart of a segment of a program for
controlling a CPU in FIG. 1.
[0031] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an electronic mail system
according to a second embodiment of this invention.
[0032] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a segment of a program for
controlling a CPU in FIG. 3.
[0033] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an electronic mail system
according to a third embodiment of this invention.
[0034] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a segment of a program for
controlling a CPU in FIG. 5.
[0035] FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an electronic mail system
according to a fourth embodiment of this invention.
[0036] FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a segment of a program for
controlling a CPU in FIG. 7.
[0037] FIG. 9 is a block diagram of an electronic mail system
according to a fifth embodiment of this invention.
[0038] FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a segment of a program for
controlling a CPU in FIG. 9.
[0039] FIG. 11 is a block diagram of an electronic mail system
according to a sixth embodiment of this invention.
[0040] FIG. 12 is a flowchart of a first segment of a program for
controlling a CPU in FIG. 11.
[0041] FIG. 13 is a flowchart of a second segment of the program
for controlling the CPU in FIG. 11.
[0042] FIG. 14 is a block diagram of an electronic mail system
according to a seventh embodiment of this invention.
[0043] FIG. 15 is a flowchart of a segment of a program for
controlling a CPU in FIG. 14.
[0044] FIG. 16 is a block diagram of an electronic mail system
according to an eighth embodiment of this invention.
[0045] FIG. 17 is a diagram of a part of an example of an e-mail in
a given format.
[0046] FIG. 18 is a block diagram of an electronic mail system
according to a ninth embodiment of this invention.
[0047] FIG. 19 is a flowchart of a first segment of a program for
controlling a CPU in FIG. 18.
[0048] FIG. 20 is a flowchart of a second segment of the program
for controlling the CPU in FIG. 18.
[0049] FIG. 21 is a block diagram of an electronic mail system
according to a tenth embodiment of this invention.
[0050] FIG. 22 is a flowchart of a first segment of a program for
controlling a CPU in FIG. 21.
[0051] FIG. 23 is a flowchart of a second segment of the program
for controlling the CPU in FIG. 21.
[0052] FIG. 24 is a block diagram of an electronic mail system
according to a twelfth embodiment of this invention.
[0053] FIG. 25 is a flowchart of a segment of a program for
controlling a CPU in FIG. 24.
[0054] FIG. 26 is a flowchart of a segment of a program for
controlling a CPU in an electronic mail system according to a
thirteenth embodiment of this invention.
[0055] FIG. 27 is a flowchart of a segment of a program for
controlling a CPU in an electronic mail system according to a
fourteenth embodiment of this invention.
[0056] FIG. 28 is a block diagram of an electronic mail system
according to a fifteenth embodiment of this invention.
[0057] FIG. 29 is a flowchart of a segment of a program for
controlling a CPU in FIG. 28.
[0058] FIG. 30 is a flowchart of a segment of a program for
controlling a CPU in an electronic mail system according to a
sixteenth embodiment of this invention.
[0059] FIG. 31 is a flowchart of a segment of a program-for
controlling a CPU in an electronic mail system according to an
eighteenth embodiment of this invention.
[0060] FIG. 32 is a flowchart of a segment of a program for
controlling a CPU in an electronic mail system according to a
nineteenth embodiment of this invention.
[0061] FIG. 33 is a flowchart of a segment of a program for
controlling a CPU in an electronic mail system according to a
twentieth embodiment of this invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
First Embodiment
[0062] With reference to FIG. 1, an electronic mail system includes
a CPU 1, a ROM 2, a RAM 3, a storage unit 4, a format converter 5,
a scanner 6, an operation panel 7, a data compressor 8, and a LAN
(local area network) controller 9 which are electrically connected
via a bus line.
[0063] The CPU 1 operates in accordance with a program stored in
the ROM 2. The CPU 1 provides a work area in the RAM 3, and
accesses and uses the work area during signal processing. The
storage unit 4 includes, for example, a hard disk device which is
used in storing data including compression-resultant image data of
a facsimile format. The format converter 5 changes
compression-resultant image data of the facsimile format into
corresponding image data of the e-mail (electronic mail) format.
The scanner 6 converts an image of, for example, a document sheet
surface into corresponding binary image data (corresponding
bi-level image data). The operation panel 7 has a key board, a
start button, and other buttons. Information of the destination or
the address of an e-mail to be transmitted can be inputted into the
electronic mail system by operating the key board on the operation
panel 7. The scanner 6 can be activated by operating the start
button on the operation panel 7. The data compressor 8 serves to
compress binary image data (bi-level image data) which is generated
by the scanner 6. The LAN controller 9 includes a LAN
interface.
[0064] The LAN controller 9 is connected via a LAN to an e-mail
computer 9A. The e-mail computer 9A is connected to an e-mail
network such as the Internet.
[0065] As previously described, the CPU 1 operates in accordance
with a program stored in the ROM 2. FIG. 2 is a flowchart of a
segment of the program. In the case where the transmission of
information on a document sheet is required, the sheet is placed in
the scanner 6 and information of a desired destination is inputted
via the operation panel 7. Further, the start button on the
operation panel 7 is depressed.
[0066] With reference to FIG. 2, a first step S1 in the program
segment decides whether or not information of the destination or
the address of an e-mail to be transmitted has been inputted via
the operation panel 7. In addition, the step S1 decides whether or
not the start button on the operation panel 7 has been depressed.
In the case where information of the destination of an e-mail to be
transmitted has been inputted and the start button on the operation
panel 7 has been depressed, the program advances from the step S1
to a step S2. Otherwise, the program repeats the step S1. Thus, the
step S1 waits the reception of an e-mail destination and the
depression of the start button.
[0067] The step S2 activates the scanner 6 so that an image of the
surface of a document sheet in the scanner 6 is converted by the
scanner 6 into corresponding binary image data (corresponding
bi-level image data). A step S3 following the step S2 transfers the
binary image data from the scanner 6 to the data compressor 8.
Then, the step S3 activates the data compressor 8 so that the
binary image data is compressed by the device 8 into
compression-resultant image data of a given facsimile format.
Further, the step S3 transfers the compression-resultant image data
of the facsimile format from the data compressor 8 to the storage
unit 4 before storing the compression-resultant image data of the
facsimile format into the storage unit 4. In the case where the
transmission of information on a plurality of document sheets (that
is, a plurality of pages) is required, the document sheets are
sequentially scanned by the device 6 and the compression-resultant
image data of the facsimile format is stored into the storage unit
4 as a single file having a plurality of pages.
[0068] A step S4 following the step S3 transfers the
compression-resultant image data of the facsimile format from the
storage unit 4 to the format converter 5. The step S4 activates the
format converter 5 so that the compression-resultant image data of
the facsimile format converted by the device 5 into corresponding
image data of the e-mail format. In addition, the step S4 transfers
the image data of the e-mail format from the format converter 5 to
the storage unit 4 before storing the image data of the e-mail
format into the storage unit 4.
[0069] A step S5 subsequent to the step S4 transfers the image data
of the e-mail format from the storage unit 4 to the LAN controller
9. The step S5 activates the LAN controller 9 so that the image
data of the e-mail format is further transferred from the LAN
controller 9 to the e-mail computer 9A. The image data of the
e-mail format, that is, an e-mail, is transmitted from the e-mail
computer 9A to the destination via the e-mail network 9B. After the
step S5, the current execution cycle of the program segment
ends.
[0070] The image data generated by the scanner 6 is of the binary
type or the bi-level type. The compression-resultant image data of
the facsimile format which is generated by the data compressor 8 is
also of the binary type or the bi-level type. The format converter
5 successively encodes pieces of the compression-resultant
facsimile image data into corresponding 7-bit character code words
respectively. The 7-bit character code words compose text-encoded
image data. Thus, the format converter 5 changes the
compression-resultant facsimile image data into the corresponding
text-encoded image data. The format converter 5 adds a header of a
given format to the text-encoded image data, thereby completing the
image data of the e-mail format. The header includes information of
the destination, information of a source address, information of
the data format, and information of the manner of conversion from
the image data into the character code words. The format related to
the header and the manner of conversion from the image data into
the character code words are in conformity with the Internet e-main
standards referred to as MIME (Multipurpose Internet Mail
Extensions).
Second Embodiment
[0071] FIG. 3 shows a second embodiment of this invention which is
similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2 except for an additional
arrangement described hereinafter.
[0072] With reference to FIG. 3, an electronic mail system includes
a CPU 1, a ROM 2, a RAM 3, a storage unit 4, a format converter 5,
a scanner 6, an operation panel 7, a data compressor/expander 8A, a
LAN (local area network) controller 9, an inverse format converter
10, and a printer 11 which are electrically connected via a bus
line. The inverse format converter 10 changes image data of the
e-mail format into corresponding image data of a given facsimile
format. The data compressor/expander 8A replaces the data
compressor 8 in FIG. 1. The data compressor/expander 8A serves to
compress binary image data (bi-level image data) generated by the
scanner 6. In addition, the data compressor/expander 8A serves to
expand image data of the facsimile format into expansion-resultant
binary image data (expansion-resultant bi-level image data). The
printer 11 serves to print out expansion-resultant binary image
data.
[0073] The CPU 1 operates in accordance with a program stored in
the ROM 2. FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a segment of the program. With
reference to FIG. 4, a first step S11 in the program segment
decides whether or not data of the e-mail format has beer; received
by the LAN controller 9. In the case where data of the e-mail
format has been received, the step S11 transfers the received data
of the e-mail format to the storage unit 4. The step S11 controls
the storage unit 4 so that the received data of the e-mail format
is stored into the storage unit 4. In the case where data of the
e-mail format has not yet been received, the program repeats the
step S11. Thus, the step S11 waits the reception of data of the
e-mail format.
[0074] A step S12A following the step S11 decides whether or not
the received data of the e-mail format agrees with image data of
the e-mail format by referring to related information in the header
of the received data of the e-mail format. When the received data
agrees with image data, the program advances from the step S12A to
a step S12B. When the received data differs from image data, the
program advances from the step S12A to a step S12C. The step S12B
transfers the received data of the e-mail format from the storage
unit 4 to the inverse format converter 10. The step S12B activates
the inverse format converter 10 so that the received data of the
e-mail format is converted by the device 10 into corresponding
image data of a given facsimile format. The step 12C controls the
LAIN controller 9 so that a responsive e-mail representing an error
will be transmitted to the source concerning the received data of
the e-mail format. After the step S12C, the current execution cycle
of the program segment ends.
[0075] A step S13 following the step S12B transfers the image data
of the facsimile format from the inverse format converter 10 to the
data compressor/expander 8A. The step S13 activates the data
compressor/expander 8A so that the image data of the facsimile
format is expanded by the device 8A into expansion-resultant binary
image data (expansion-resultant bi-level image data). Further, the
step S13 transfers the expansion-resultant binary image data from
the data compressor/expander 8A to the storage unit 4 before
storing the expansion-resultant binary image data into the storage
unit 4.
[0076] A step S14 subsequent to the step S13 transfers the
expansion-resultant binary image data from the storage unit 4 to
the printer 11. The step S14 activates the printer 11 so that the
expansion-resultant binary image data is visualized or printed out
by the device 11. After the step S14, the current execution cycle
of the program segment ends.
[0077] As previously described, the inverse format converter 10
changes the received data of the e-mail format into the
corresponding image data of the facsimile format. Specifically, the
inverse format converter 10 extracts text-encoded image data from
the received data of the e-mail format. Then, the inverse format
converter 10 changes the text-encoded image data into corresponding
binary (bi-level) image data of the facsimile format.
Third Embodiment
[0078] FIG. 5 shows a third embodiment of this invention which is
similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 3 and 4 except for an additional
arrangement described hereinafter.
[0079] With reference to FIG. 5, an electronic-mail system includes
a CPU 1, a ROM 2, a RAM 3, a storage unit 4, a format converter 5,
a scanner 6, an operation panel 7, a data compressor/expander 8A, a
LAN (local area network) controller 9, an inverse format converter
10, a printer 11, and a font memory 12 which are electrically
connected via a bus line. The font memory 12 includes, for example,
a ROM which stores font data providing the relation between
character code data and image data.
[0080] The CPU 1 operates in accordance with a program stored in
the ROM 2. FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a segment of the program. With
reference to FIG. 6, a first step S21 in the program segment
decides whether or not data of the e-mail format has been received
by the LAN controller 9. This decision is to wait the reception of
data of the e-mail format. In the case where data of the e-mail
format has been received, the step S21 decides whether or not the
received data of the e-mail format agrees with character code data
by referring to the data format information in the header of the
received data of the e-mail format. According to the MIME
standards, the data format information follows the information
"content-type", and denotes "text/plain" in the case where the
related data of the e-mail format agrees with character code data.
It should be noted that the data format information denotes
"image/tiff" in the case where the related data of the e-mail
format agrees with image data. When the received data of the e-mail
format agrees with character code data, the program advances from
the step S21 to a step S22B. When the received data of the e-mail
format agrees with image data, the received data of the e-mail
format will be processed as in the embodiment of FIGS. 3 and 4.
[0081] The step S22B activates the font memory 12 so that the
character code data is converted into corresponding image data
according to the font data in the font memory 12.
[0082] A step S23 following the step S22B transfers the image data
to the printer 11. Also, the step S23 activates the printer 11 so
that the image data is visualized or printed out by the device 11.
After the step S23, the current execution cycle of the program
segment ends.
Fourth Embodiment
[0083] FIG. 7 shows a fourth embodiment of this invention which is
similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 5 and 6 except for an additional
arrangement described hereinafter.
[0084] With reference to FIG. 7, an electronic mail system includes
a CPU 1, a ROM 2, a RAM 3, a storage unit 4, a format converter 5,
a scanner 6, an operation panel 7, a data compressor/expander 8A, a
LAN (local area network) controller 9, an inverse format converter
10, a printer 11, a font memory 12, and a character recognition
unit 13 which are electrically connected via a bus line. The
character recognition unit 13 serves to recognize characters
represented by binary image data (bi-level image data).
[0085] Information on a document sheet which is to be transmitted
contains information-of the destination or the address of a
transmitted e-mail. Specifically, characters in a predetermined
zone of the document sheet indicate an e-mail destination. Thus,
the characters in the predetermined zone of the document sheet
correspond to the information of the e-mail destination.
[0086] The CPU 1 operates in accordance with a program stored in
the ROM 2. FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a segment of the program. With
reference to FIG. 8, a first step S31 in the program segment
decides whether or not a start button on the operation panel 7 has
been depressed. In the case where the start button on the operation
panel 7 has been depressed, the program advances from the step S31
to a step S32. Otherwise, the program repeats the step S31. Thus,
the step S31 waits the depression of the start button.
[0087] The step S32 activates the scanner 6 so that an image of the
surface of a document sheet in the scanner 6 is converted by the
scanner 6 into corresponding binary image data (corresponding
bi-level image data).
[0088] A step S33 following the step S32 extracts a portion of the
binary image data which corresponds to the predetermined zone. The
step S33 transfers the extracted portion of the image data to the
character recognition units 13. Further, the step S33 activates the
character recognition unit 13 so that characters represented by the
extracted portion of the image data are recognized by the device.
13. The character recognition unit 13 generates information of a
destination in accordance with the result of the character
recognition.
[0089] A step S34 subsequent to the step S33 transfers the binary
image data from the scanner 6 to the data compressor/expander 8A.
Then, the step S34 activates the data compressor/expander 8A so
that the binary image data is compressed by the device 8A into
compression-resultant image data of a given facsimile format.
Further, the step S34 transfers the compression-resultant image
data of the facsimile format from the data compressor/expander 8A
to the storage unit 4 before storing the compression-resultant
image data of the facsimile format into the storage unit 4.
[0090] A step S35 following the step S34 transfers the
compression-resultant image data of the facsimile format from the
storage unit 4 to the format converter 5. In addition, the step S35
transfers the information of the destination to the format
converter 5. The step S35 activates the format converter 5 so that
the compression-resultant image data of the facsimile format is
converted by the device 5 into corresponding image data of the
e-mail format. The image data of the e-mail format contains the
information of the destination. Further, the step S35 transfers the
image data of the e-mail format from the format converter 5 to the
storage unit 4 before storing the image data of the e-mail format
into the storage unit 4.
[0091] A step S36 subsequent to the step S35 transfers the image
data of the e-mail format from the storage unit 4 to the LAN
controller 9. The step S36 activates the LAN controller 9 so that
the image data of the e-mail format is further transferred from the
LAN controller 9 to an e-mail computer 9A. The image data of the
e-mail format, that is, an e-mail, is transmitted from the e-mail
computer 9A to the destination via an e-mail network 9B. After the
step S36, the current execution cycle of the program segment
ends.
Fifth Embodiment
[0092] FIG. 9 shows a fifth embodiment of this invention which is
similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2 except for an additional
arrangement described hereinafter.
[0093] With reference to FIG. 9, an electronic mail system includes
a CPU 1, a ROM 2, a RAM 3, a storage unit 4, a format converter 5,
a scanner 6, an operation panel 7A, a data compressor 8, and a LAN
(local area network) controller 9 which are electrically connected
via a bus line. The operation panel 7A replaces the operation panel
7 in FIG. 1. The operation panel 7A has a key board, a start
button, a source button, and other buttons. Information of the
destination or the address of an e-mail to be transmitted can be
inputted into the electronic mail system by operating the key board
on the operation panel 7A. The scanner 6 can be activated by
operating the start button on the operation panel 7A. Information
of the address of an e-mail transmission source can be inputted
into the electronic mail system by operating the source button on
the operation panel 7A. The source address agrees with an address
assigned to an e-mail computer 9A connected to the LAN controller
9. Accordingly, in the event that the transmission of an e-mail
from the electronic mail system to the destination has failed, a
responsive e-mail representing the transmission failure can be
received by the e-mail computer 9A.
[0094] The CPU 1 operates in accordance with a program stored in
the ROM 2. FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a segment of the program. With
reference to FIG. 10, a first step S41 in the program segment
decides whether or not information of the destination or the
address of an e-mail to be transmitted has been inputted via the
operation panel 7A. In the case where the information of the
destination of an e-mail to be transmitted has been inputted, the
program advances from the step S41 to a step S42. Otherwise, the
program repeats the step S41. Thus, the step S41 waits the
reception of the information of an e-mail destination.
[0095] The step S42 decides whether or not the source button on the
operation panel 7A has been depressed to input the information of
the address of the e-mail transmission source. In the case where
the source button on the operation panel 7A has been depressed, the
program advances from the step S42 to a step S43. Otherwise, the
program repeats the step S42. Thus, the step S42 waits the
reception of the information of an e-mall source address.
[0096] The step S43 decides whether or not the start button on the
operation panel 7A has been depressed. In the case where the start
button on the operation panel 7A has been depressed, the program
advances from the step S43 to a step S44. Otherwise, the program
repeats the step S43. Thus, the step S43 waits the depression of
the start button.
[0097] The step S44 activates the scanner 6 so that an image of the
surface of a document sheet in the scanner 6 is converted by the
scanner 6 into corresponding binary image data (corresponding
bi-level image data). A step S45 following the step S44 transfers
the binary image data from the scanner 6 to thee data compressor 8.
Then, the step S45 activates the data compressor 8 so that the
binary image data is compressed by the device 8 into
compression-resultant image data of a given facsimile format.
Further, the step S45 transfers the compression-resultant image
data of the facsimile format from the data compressor 8 to the
storage unit 4 before storing the compression-resultant image data
of the facsimile format into the storage unit 4.
[0098] A step S46 following the step S45 transfers the
compression-resultant image data of the facsimile format from the
storage unit 4 to the format converter 5. In addition, the step S46
transfers the information of the source address and the information
of the destination to the format converter 5. The step S46
activates the format converter 5 so that the compression-resultant
image data of the facsimile format is converted by the device 5
into corresponding image data of the e-mail format. The image data
of the e-mail format contains the information of the source address
and the information of the destination. Further, the step S46
transfers the image data of the e-mail format from the format
converter 5 to the storage unit 4 before storing the image data of
the e-mail format into the storage unit 4.
[0099] A step S47 subsequent to the step S46 transfers the image
data of the e-mail format from the storage unit 4 to the LAN
controller 9. The step S47 activates the LAN controller 9 so that
the image data of the e-mail format is further transferred from the
LAN controller 9 to the e-mail computer 9A. The image data of the
e-mail format, that is, an e-mail, is transmitted from the e-mail
computer 9A to the destination via an e-mail network 9B. After the
step S47, the current execution cycle of the program segment
ends.
Sixth Embodiment
[0100] FIG. 11 shows a sixth embodiment of this invention which is
similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 7 and 8 except for an additional
arrangement described hereinafter.
[0101] With reference to FIG. 11, an electronic mail system
includes a CPU 1, a ROM 2, a RAM 3, a storage unit 4, a format
converter 5, a scanner 6, an operation panel 7B, a data
compressor/expander 8A, a LAN (local area network) controller 9, an
inverse format converter 10, a printer 11, a font memory 12, a
character recognition unit 13, an audio input/output device 14, and
an audio compressor/expander 15 which are electrically connected
via a bus line. The operation panel 7B replaces the operation panel
7 in FIG. 7. The operation panel 7B has a start button, a message
button, and other buttons. The scanner 6 can be activated by
operating the start button on the operation panel 7B. The
depression of the message button on the operation panel 7B enables
audio message information to be inputted into the electronic mail
system. The audio input/output device 14 includes a microphone and
an electric-to-sound transducer such as a loudspeaker (a sound
speaker). The microphone in the audio input/output device 14
converts a sound message into a corresponding audio signal. The
audio signal is changed into corresponding audio data by an A/D
converter in the audio input/output device 14. The audio
input/output device 14 also includes a D/A converter which changes
audio data into a corresponding audio signal. The audio signal is
converted into corresponding sound by the loudspeaker (the sound
speaker) in the audio input/output device 14. The audio
compressor/expander 15 serves to compress and expand audio
data.
[0102] The CPU 1 operates in accordance with a program stored in
the ROM 2. FIG. 12 is a flowchart of a first segment of the
program. With reference to FIG. 12, a first step S51 in the first
program segment decides whether or not the start button on the
operation panel 7B has been depressed. In the case where the start
button on the operation panel 7B has been depressed, the program
advances from the step S51 to a step S52. Otherwise, the program
repeats the step S51. Thus, the step S51 waits the depression of
the start button.
[0103] The step S52 decides whether or not the message button on
the operation panel 7B is depressed and a sound message is
converted by the microphone and the A/D converter in the audio
input/output device 14 into corresponding audio data. This decision
is to wait the depression of the message button and the reception
of the audio data. In the case where the message button on the
operation panel 7B is depressed and the sound message is converted
by the audio input/output device 14 into the corresponding audio
data, the step S52 transfers the audio data from the audio
input/output device 14 to the audio compressor/expander 15. The
step S52 activates the audio compressor/expander 15 so that the
audio data is compressed by the device 15 into
compression-resultant audio data. Further, the step S52 transfers
the compression-resultant audio data from the audio
compressor/expander 15 to the storage unit 4 before storing the
compression-resultant audio data into the storage unit 4.
[0104] A step S53 subsequent to the step S52 activates the scanner
6 so that an image of the surface of a document sheet in the
scanner 6 is converted by the scanner 6 into corresponding binary
image data (corresponding bi-level image data).
[0105] A step S54 following the step S53 extracts a portion of the
binary image data which corresponds to a predetermined zone. The
step S54 transfers the extracted portion of the image data to the
character recognition unit 13. Further, the step S54 activates the
character recognition unit 13 so that characters represented by the
extracted portion of the image data are recognized by the device
13. The character recognition unit 13 generates information of a
destination in accordance with the result of the character
recognition.
[0106] A step S55 subsequent to the step S54 transfers the binary
image data from the scanner 6 to the data compressor/expander 8A.
Then, the step S55 activates the data compressor/expander 8A so
that the binary image data is compressed by the device 8A into
compression-resultant image data of a given facsimile format.
Further, the step S55 transfers the compression-resultant image
data of the facsimile format from the data compressor/expander 8A
to the storage unit 4 before storing the compression-resultant
image data of the facsimile format into the storage unit 4.
[0107] A step S56 following the step S55 transfers the
compression-resultant image data of the facsimile format from the
storage unit 4 to the format converter 5. In addition, the step S56
transfers the information of the destination to the format
converter 5. Further, the step S56 transmits the
compression-resultant audio data from the storage unit 4 to the
format converter 5. The step S56 activates the format converter 5
so that the compression-resultant image data of the facsimile
format and the compression-resultant audio data are converted and
integrated by the device 5 into corresponding image/audio data of
the e-mail format. It should be noted that the manner of the
integration is in conformity with the MIME standards. The
image/audio data of the e-mail format contains the information of
the destination. Further, the step S56 transfers the image/audio
data of the e-mail format from the format converter 5 to the
storage unit 4 before storing the image/audio data of the e-mail
format into the storage unit 4.
[0108] A step S57 subsequent to the step S56 transfers the
image/audio data of the e-mail format from the storage unit 4 to
the LAN controller 9. The step S57 activates the LAN controller 9
so that the image/audio data of the e-mail format is further
transferred from the LAN controller 9 to an e-mail computer 9A. The
image/audio data of the e-mail format, that is, an e-mail, is
transmitted from the e-mail computer 9A to the destination via an
e-mail network 9B. After the step S57, the current execution cycle
of the first program segment ends.
[0109] FIG. 13 is a flowchart of a second segment of the program.
With reference to FIG. 13, a first step S58A in the second program
segment decides whether or not data of the e-mail format has been
received by the LAN controller 9. This decision is to wait the
reception of data of the e-mail format. In the case where data of
the e-mail format has been received, the step S58A transfers the
received data of the e-mail format to the storage unit 4. The step
S58A controls the storage unit 4 so that the received data of the
e-mail format is stored into the storage unit 4.
[0110] A step S58B following the step S58A transfers the received
data of the e-mail format from the storage unit 4 to the inverse
format converter 10. A step S58C subsequent to the step S58B
decides whether or not the received data of the e-mail format
agrees with image/audio data of the e-mail format by referring to
related information in the header of the received data of the
e-mail format. When the received data agrees with image/audio data,
the step S58C activates the inverse format converter 10 so that the
received data of the e-mail format is converted and separated by
the device 10 into image data of a given facsimile format and audio
data. When the received data differs from image/audio data, the
received data will be processed as in the embodiment of FIGS. 3 and
4.
[0111] A step S58D following the step S58C transfers the image data
of the facsimile format from the inverse format converter 10 to the
data compressor/expander 8A. The step S58D activates the data
compressor/expander 8A so that the image data of the facsimile
format is expanded by the device 8A into expansion-resultant binary
image data (expansion-resultant bi-level image data). Further, the
step S58D transfers the expansion-resultant binary image data from
the data compressor/expander 8A to the storage unit 4 before
storing the expansion-resultant binary image data into the storage
unit 4.
[0112] A step S58E subsequent to the step S58D transfers the
expansion-resultant binary image data from the storage unit 4 to
the printer 11. The step S58E activates the printer 11 so that the
expansion-resultant binary image data is visualized or printed out
by the device 11.
[0113] A step S58F following the step S58E transfers the audio data
from the inverse format converter 10 to the audio
compressor/expander 15. The step S58F activates the audio
compressor/expander 15 so that the audio data is expanded by the
device 15 into expansion-resultant audio data. Further, the step
S58F transfers the expansion-resultant audio data from the audio
compressor/expander 15 to the storage unit 4 before storing the
expansion-resultant audio data into the storage unit 4.
[0114] A step S58G subsequent to the step S58F transfers the
expansion-resultant audio data from the storage unit 4 to the audio
input/output device 14. The step S58G activates the audio
input/output device 14 so that the loudspeaker (the sound speaker)
and the D/A converter therein generate sound in response to the
audio data. After the step S58G, the current execution cycle of the
second program segment ends.
Seventh Embodiment
[0115] FIG. 14 shows a seventh embodiment of this invention which
is similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 11-13 except for an
additional arrangement described hereinafter.
[0116] With reference to FIG. 14, an electronic mail system
includes a CPU 1, a ROM 2, a RAM 3, a storage unit 4, a format
converter 5, a scanner 6, an operation panel 7C, a data
compressor/expander 8A, a LAN (local area network) controller 9, an
inverse format converter 10, a printer 11, a font memory 12, a
character recognition unit 13, an audio input/output device 14, an
audio compressor/expander 15, a video input/output device 16, and a
moving-picture compressor/expander 17 which are electrically
connected via a bus line. The operation panel 7C replaces the
operation panel 7B in FIG. 11. The operation panel 7C has a start
button, a video button, and other buttons. The scanner 6 can be
activated by operating the start button on the operation panel 7C.
The depression of the video button on the operation panel 7C
enables moving-picture information to be inputted into the
electronic mail system. The video input/output device 16 includes a
video camera and a display such as a CRT. The video camera in the
video input/output device 16 converts moving pictures into
corresponding data. The display in the video input/output device 16
visualizes moving-picture data. The moving-picture
compressor/expander 17 serves to compress and expand moving-picture
data.
[0117] The CPU 1 operates in accordance with a program stored in
the ROM 2. FIG. 15 is a flowchart of a segment of the program. With
reference to FIG. 15, a first step S61 in the program segment
decides whether or not the start button on the operation panel 7C
has been depressed. In the case where the start button on the
operation panel 7C has been depressed, the program advances from
the step S61 to a step S62. Otherwise, the program repeats the step
S61. Thus, the step S61 waits the depression of the start
button.
[0118] The step S62 decides whether or not the video button on the
operation panel 7C is depressed and moving pictures are converted
by the video camera in the video input/output device 16 into
corresponding data. This decision is to wait the depression of the
video button and the reception of moving-picture data. In the case
where the video button on the operation panel 7C is depressed and
the moving pictures are converted by the video camera in the video
input/output device 16 into the corresponding data, the step S62
transfers the moving-picture data from the video input/output
device 16 to the moving-picture compressor/expander 17. The step
S62 activates the moving-picture compressor/expander 17 so that the
moving-picture data is compressed by the device 17 into
compression-resultant moving-picture data. Further, the step S62
transfers the compression-resultant moving-picture data from the
moving-picture compressor/expander 17 to the storage unit 4 before
storing the compression-resultant moving-picture data into the
storage unit 4.
[0119] A step S63 subsequent to the step S62 activates the scanner
6 so that an image of the surface of a document sheet in the
scanner 6 is converted by the scanner 6 into corresponding binary
image data (corresponding bi-level image data).
[0120] A step S64 following the step S63 extracts a portion of the
binary image data which corresponds to a predetermined zone. The
step S64 transfers the extracted portion of the image data to the
character recognition unit 13. Further, the step S64 activates the
character recognition unit 13 so that characters represented by the
extracted portion of the image data are recognized by the device
13. The character recognition unit 13 generates information of a
destination in accordance with the result of the character
recognition.
[0121] A step S65 subsequent to the step S64 transfers the binary
image data from the scanner 6 to the data compressor/expander 8A.
Then, the step S65 activates the data compressor/expander 8A so
that the binary image data is compressed by the device 8A into
compression-resultant image data of a given facsimile format.
Further, the step S65 transfers the compression-resultant image
data of the facsimile format from the data compressor/expander 8A
to the storage unit 4 before storing the compression-resultant
image data of the facsimile format into the storage unit 4.
[0122] A step S66 following the step S65 transfers the
compression-resultant image data of the facsimile format from the
storage unit 4 to the format converter 5. In addition, the step S66
transfers the information of the destination to the format
converter 5. Further, the step S66 transmits the
compression-resultant moving-picture data from the storage unit 4
to the format converter 5. The step S66 activates the format
converter 5 so that the compression-resultant image data of the
facsimile format and the compression-resultant moving-picture data
are converted and integrated by the device 5 into corresponding
image data of the e-mail format. It should be noted that the manner
of the integration is in conformity with the MIME standards. The
image data of the e-mail format contains the information of the
destination. Further, the step S66 transfers the image data of the
e-mail format from the format converter 5 to the storage unit 4
before storing the image data of the e-mail format into the storage
unit 4.
[0123] A step S67 subsequent to the step S66 transfers the image
data of the e-mail format from the storage unit 4 to the LAN
controller 9. The step S67 activates the LAN controller 9 so that
the image data of the e-mail format is further transferred from the
LAN controller 9 to an e-mail computer 9A. The image data of the
e-mail format, that is, an e-mail, is transmitted from the e-mail
computer 9A to the destination via an e-mail-network 9B. After the
step S67, the current execution cycle of the program segment
ends.
Eighth Embodiment
[0124] FIG. 16 shows an eighth embodiment of this invention which
is similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 7 and 8 except for design
changes described hereinafter.
[0125] With reference to FIG. 16, an electronic mail system
includes a CPU 1, a ROM 2, a RAM 3, a storage unit 4, a format
converter 5, a scanner 6, an operation panel 7, a data
compressor/expander 8A, a, LAN (local area network) controller 9X,
an inverse format converter 10, a printer 11, a font memory 12, and
a character recognition unit 13 which are electrically connected
via a bus line. The LAN controller 9X replaces the LAN controller 9
in FIG. 7. The LAN controller 9X analyzes a received e-mail. The
CPU 1 is programmed to execute data processing in response to a
result of the analysis by the LAN controller 9X.
[0126] FIG. 17 shows a part of an example of an e-mail in a given
format. As shown in FIG. 17, the e-mail has a header 31 and a text
(a message) 32. The header 31 is followed by the text 32. The
header 31 contains information representing a type of data in the
text 32. In the example of FIG. 17, "Content-Type: text/plain" in
the header 31 represents that a related portion of the text 32
corresponds to character code data. Further, "Subject: !!$" in the
header 31 represents that a related portion of the text 32
corresponds to an instruction (a command).
[0127] The text 32 contains ID (identification) information of a
sender, information of a list of destination mail addresses, and
information of a source address. The ID information of the sender
is preceded by a specified code word "!ID". The information of the
list of the destination mail addresses is preceded by a specified
code word "!LIST". The information of the source address is
preceded by a specified code word "!FROM".
[0128] After the LAN controller 9 receives an e-mail, the LAN
controller 9 analyzes ID (identification) information of a sender,
information of a list of destination mail addresses, and
information of a source address which are contained in the received
e-mail. The LAN controller 9 recognizes the sender as a result of
the analysis of the ID Information thereof. The CPU 1 serves to
transfer the ID information of the sender, the information of the
list of the destination mail addresses, and the information of the
source address from the LAN controller 9 to the storage unit 4.
Then, the CPU 1 serves to store the ID information of the sender,
the information of the list of the destination mail addresses, and
the information of the source address into the storage unit 4.
Ninth Embodiment
[0129] FIG. 18 shows a ninth embodiment of this invention which is
similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 7 and 8 except for design
changes described hereinafter.
[0130] With reference to FIG. 18, an electronic mail system
includes a CPU 1, a ROM 2, a RAM 3, a storage unit 4, a format
converter 5, a scanner 6, an operation panel 7D, a data
compressor/expander 8A, a LAN (local area network) controller 9, an
inverse format converter 10, a printer 11, a font memory 12, and a
character recognition unit 13 which are electrically connected via
a bus line. The operation panel 7D replaces the operation panel 7
in FIG. 7. The operation panel 7D has a display, a key board, a
start butt on, a destination list button, and other buttons.
Information of a destination list can be visualized by the display
on the operation panel 7D. ID information of a sender can be
inputted into the electronic mail system by operating the key board
on the operation panel 7D. The scanner 6 can be activated by
operating the start button on the operation panel 7D. The
depression of the destination list button on the operation panel 7D
enables a destination list to be indicated by display on the
operation panel 7D.
[0131] The CPU 1 operates in accordance with a program stored in
the ROM 2. FIG. 19 is a flowchart of a first segment of the
program. With reference to FIG. 19, a first step S71 in the first
program segment decides whether or not character code data in an
e-mail has been received by the LAN controller 9. In the case where
the character code data in the e-mail has been received, the
program advances from the step S71 to a step S72. Otherwise, the
program repeats the step S71. Thus, the step S71 waits the
reception of character code data in an e-mail. The step S72
analyzes the "Subject" part of the header of the e-mail.
[0132] A step S73 following the step S72 decides whether or not the
"Subject" part of the header corresponds to a text instruction by
referring to the result of the analysis by the step S72. When the
"Subject" part of the header corresponds to a text instruction, the
program advances from the step S73 to a step S74. Otherwise, the
program advances from the step S73 to a step S76.
[0133] The step S74 analyzes the text in the e-mail to extract ID
information of a sender and information of a destination mail list
therefrom. A step S75 following the step S74 stores or registers
the ID information of the sender and the information of the
destination mail list into the storage unit 4 in a manner such that
the ID information of the sender and the information of the
destination mail list are in a given correspondence relation. After
the step S75, the current execution cycle of thee first program
segment ends.
[0134] The step S76 converts character code data in the text into
corresponding image data. A step S77 following the step S76
transfers the image data to the printer 11. The step S77 activates
the printer 11 so that the image data is visualized or printed out
by the device 11. After the step S77, the current execution cycle
of the first program segment ends.
[0135] FIG. 20 is a flowchart of a second segment of the program.
With reference to FIG. 20, a first step S81 of the second program
segment decides whether or not the destination list button on the
operation panel 7D has been depressed. In the case where the
destination list button on the operation panel 7D has been
depressed, the program advances from the step S81 to a step S82.
Otherwise, the program repeats the step S81. Thus, the step S82
waits the depression of the destination list button.
[0136] The step S82 decides whether or not ID information of a
sender has been inputted via the operation panel 7D. This decision
is to wait the reception of sender ID information. In the case
where the ID information of the sender has been inputted, the step
S82 reads out information of a destination mail list from the
storage unit 4 which corresponds to the ID information of the
sender. The step S82 transfers the information of the destination
mail list to the display on the operation panel 7D. The step S82
activates the display on the operation panel 7D so that the
information of the destination nail list is visualized thereby.
[0137] A step S83 following the step S82 decides whether or not a
destination has been selected from the visualized destination mail
list by actuating the operation panel 7D. In the case where a
destination has been selected; the program advances from the step
S83 to a step S84. Otherwise, the program repeats the step S83.
Thus, the step S83 waits the selection of a destination.
[0138] The step S84 decides whether or not the start button on the
operation panel 7D has been depressed. In the case where the start
button on the operation panel 7D has been depressed, the program
advances from the step S84 to a step S85. Otherwise, the program
repeats the step S84. Thus, the step S84 waits the depression of
the start button.
[0139] The step S85 activates the scanner 6 so that an image of the
surface of a document sheet in the scanner 6 is converted by the
scanner 6 into corresponding binary image data (corresponding
bi-level image data).
[0140] A step S86 subsequent to the step S85 transfers the binary
image data from the scanner 6 to the data compressor/expander 8A.
Then, the step S86 activates the data compressor/expander 8A so
that the binary image data is compressed by the device 8A into
compression-resultant image data of a given facsimile format.
Further, the step S86 transfers the compression-resultant image
data of the facsimile format from the data compressor/expander 8A
to the storage unit 4 before storing the compression-resultant
image data of the facsimile e format into the storage unit 4.
[0141] A step S87 following the step S86 transfers the
compression-resultant image data of the facsimile format from the
storage unit 4 to the format converter 5. In addition, the step S87
informs the format converter 5 of the selected destination. The
step S87 activates the format converter 5 so that the
compression-resultant image data of the facsimile format is
converted by the device 5 into corresponding image data of the
e-mail format. The image data of the e-mail format contains the
information of the destination. Further, the step S87 transfers the
image data of the e-mail format from the format converter 5 to the
storage unit 4 before storing the image data of the e-mail format
into the storage unit 4.
[0142] A step S88 subsequent to the step S87 transfers the image
data of the e-mail format from the storage unit 4 to the LAN
controller 9. The step S88 activates the LAN controller 9 so that
the image data of the e-mail format is further transferred from the
LAN controller 9 to an e-mail computer 9A. The image data of the
e-mail format, that is, an e-mail, is transmitted from the e-mail
computer 9A to the selected destination via an e-mail network
9B.
[0143] After the step S88, the current execution cycle of the
second program segment ends.
Tenth Embodiment
[0144] FIG. 21 shows a tenth embodiment of this invention which is
similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 18-20 except for design changes
described hereinafter.
[0145] With reference to FIG. 21, an electronic mail system
includes a CPU 1, a ROM 2, a RAM 3, a storage unit 4, a format
converter 5, a scanner 6, an operation panel 7E, a data
compressor/expander 8A, a LAN (local area network) controller 9, an
inverse format converter 10, a printer 11, a font memory 12, and a
character recognition unit 13 which are electrically connected via
a bus line. The operation panel 7E replaces the operation panel 7D
in FIG. 18. The operation panel 7E has a display, a key board, a
start button, a source button, and other buttons. Information of a
source address can be visualized by the display on the operation
panel 7E. Information of the destination or the address of an
e-mail to be transmitted can be inputted into the electronic mail
system by operating the key board on the operation panel 7E. ID
information of a sender can be inputted into the electronic mail
system by operating the source button on the operation panel 7E.
The scanner 6 can be activated by operating the start button on the
operation panel 7E.
[0146] The CPU 1 operates in accordance with a program stored in
the ROM 2. FIG. 22 is a flowchart of a first segment of the
program. With reference to FIG. 22, a first step S71A in the first
program segment decides whether or not character code data in an
e-mail has been received by the LAIN controller 9. In the case
where the character code data in the e-mail has been received, the
program advances from the step S71A to a step S72A. Otherwise, the
program repeats the step S71A. Thus, the step S71A waits the
reception of character code data in an e-mail. The step S72A
analyzes the "Subject" part of the header of the e-mail.
[0147] A step S73A following the step S72A decides whether or not
the "Subject" part of the header corresponds to a text instruction
by referring to the result of the analysis by the step S72A. When
the "Subject" part of the header corresponds to a text-instruction,
the program advances from the step S73A to a step S74A. Otherwise,
the program advances from the step S73A to a step S76A.
[0148] The step S74A analyzes the text in the e-mail to extract ID
information of a sender and information of a source address
therefrom. A step S75A following the step S74A stores or registers
the ID information of the sender and the information of the source
address into the storage unit 4 in a manner such that the ID
information of the sender and the information of the source address
are in a given correspondence relation. After the step S75A, the
current execution cycle of the first program segment ends.
[0149] The step S76A converts character code data in the text into
corresponding image data. A step S77A following the step S76A
transfers the image data to the printer 11. The step S77A activates
the printer 11 so that the image data is visualized or printed out
by the device 11. After the step S77A, the current execution cycle
of the first program segment ends.
[0150] FIG. 23 is a flowchart of a second segment of the program.
With reference to FIG. 23, a first step S82A of the second program
segment decides whether or not ID information of a sender has been
inputted by depressing the source button on the operation panel 7E.
This decision is to wait the reception of sender ID information. In
the case where the ID information of the sender has been inputted,
the step S82A, reads out information of a source address from the
storage unit 4 which corresponds to the ID information of the
sender. The step S82A transfers the information of the source
address to the display on the operation panel 7E. The step S82A
activates the display on the operation panel 7E so that the
information of the source address is visualized thereby. Thus, it
is possible to confirm the source address.
[0151] A step S83A following the step S82A decides whether or not
information of the destination or the address of an e-mail to be
transmitted has been inputted via the operation panel 7E. In the
case where the information of the destination of an e-mail to be
transmitted has been inputted, the program advances from the step
S83A to a step S84A. Otherwise, the program repeats the step S83A.
Thus, the step S83A waits the reception of the information of the
destination.
[0152] The step S84A decides whether or not the start button on the
operation panel 7E has been depressed. In the case where the start
button on the operation panel 7E has been depressed, the program
advances from the step S84A to a step S85A. Otherwise, the program
repeats the step S84A. Thus, the step S84A waits the depression of
the start button.
[0153] The step S85A activates the scanner 6 so that an image of
the surface of a document sheet in the scanner 6 is converted by
the scanner 6 into corresponding binary image data (corresponding
bi-level image data).
[0154] A step S86A subsequent to the step S85A transfers the binary
image data from the scanner 6 to the data compressor/expander 8A.
Then, the step S86A activates the data compressor/expander 8A so
that the binary image data is compressed by the device 8A into
compression-resultant image data of a given facsimile format.
Further, the step S86A transfers the compression-resultant image
data of the facsimile format from the data compressor/expander 8A
to the storage unit 4 before storing the compression-resultant
image data of the facsimile format into the storage unit 4.
[0155] A step S87A following the step S86A transfers the
compression-resultant image data of the facsimile format from the
storage unit 4 to the format converter 5. In addition, the step
S87A transfers the information of the source address and the
information of the destination to the format converter 5. The step
S87A activates the format converter 5 so that the
compression-resultant image data of the facsimile format is
converted by the device 5 into corresponding image data of the
e-mail format. The image data of the e-mail format contains the
information of the source address and the information of the
destination. Further, the step S87A transfers the image data of the
e-mail format from the format converter 5 to the storage unit 4
before storing the image data of the e-mail format into the storage
unit 4.
[0156] A step S88A subsequent to the step S87A transfers the image
data of the e-mail format from the storage unit 4 to the LAN
controller 9. The step S88A activates the LAN controller 9 so that
the image data of the e-mail format is further transferred from the
LAN controller 9 to an e-mail computer 9A. The image data of the
e-mail format, that is, an e-mail, is transmitted from the e-mail
computer 9A to the destination via an e-mail network 9B. After the
step S88A, the current execution cycle of the second program
segment ends.
Eleventh Embodiment
[0157] An eleventh embodiment of this invention is similar to the
embodiment of FIGS. 18-20 except for design changes described
hereinafter.
[0158] In the eleventh embodiment, when ID information of a sender
is inputted, a source address corresponding to the ID information
of the sender is recognized. Information of the source address is
automatically written into the header of an e-mail carrying image
data.
Twelfth Embodiment
[0159] FIG. 24 shows a twelfth embodiment of this invention which
is similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 14 and 15 except for design
changes described hereinafter.
[0160] With reference to FIG. 24, an electronic mail system
includes a CPU 1, a ROM 2, a RAM 3, a storage unit 4, a format
converter 5, a scanner 6, an operation panel 7F, a data
compressor/expander 8A, a LAN (local area network) controller 9, an
inverse format converter 10, a printer 11, a font memory 12, a
character recognition unit 13, an audio input/output device 14, an
audio compressor/expander 15, a video input/output device 16, a
moving-picture compressor/expander 17, and a modem 18 which are
electrically connected via a bus line. The operation panel 7F
replaces the operation panel 7C in FIG. 14. The operation panel 7F
has a key board, a start button, a mode selection button, and other
buttons. Information of the destination or the address of an e-mail
to be transmitted can be inputted into the electronic mail system
by operating the key board on the operation panel 7F. In addition,
information of a destination telephone number can be inputted into
the electronic mail system by operating the key board on the
operation panel 7F. The scanner 6 can be activated by operating the
start button on the operation panel 7F. Operation of the electronic
mail system can be changed between an e-mail mode and a facsimile
mode by operating the mode selection button on the operation panel
7F. The modem 18 is connected to a telephone line. The modem 18
serves to transmit and receive a facsimile signal to and from the
telephone line.
[0161] The CPU 1 operates in accordance with a program stored in
the ROM 2. FIG. 25 is a flowchart of a segment of the program. With
reference to FIG. 25, a first step S91 in the program segment
decides whether or not the mode selection button on the operation
panel 7F has been operated. In the case where the mode selection
button on the operation panel 7F has been operated, the program
advances from the step S91 to a step S92. Otherwise, the program
repeats the step S91. Thus, the step S91 waits operation of the
mode selection button.
[0162] The step S92 decides which of the e-mail mode and the
facsimile mode has been selected by referring to a signal coming
from the mode selection button on the operation panel 7F. When the
facsimile mode has been selected, the program advances from the
step S92 to a step S93. When the e-mail mode has been selected, the
program advances from the step S92 to a step S96.
[0163] The step S93 decides whether or not information of a
destination telephone number has been inputted via the operation
panel 7F. Also, the step S93 decides whether or not the start
button on the operation panel 7F has been depressed. In the case
where the information of the destination telephone number has been
inputted and the start button on the operation panel 7F has been
depressed, the program advances from the step S93 to a step S94.
Otherwise, the program repeats the step S93. Thus, the step S93
waits the reception of information of a destination telephone
number and the depression of the start button.
[0164] The step S94 activates the scanner 6 so that an image of the
surface of a document sheet in the scanner 6 is converted by the
scanner 6 into corresponding binary image data (corresponding
bi-level image data). A step S95A following the step S94 transfers
the binary image data from the scanner 6 to the data
compressor/expander 8A. Then, the step S95A activates the data
compressor/expander 8A so that the binary image data is compressed
by the device 8 into compression-resultant image data of a given
facsimile format.
[0165] A step S95B subsequent to the step S95A transfers the
compression-resultant image data of the facsimile format from the
data compressor/expander 8A to the modem 18. The step S95B
activates the modem 18 so that the compression-resultant image data
of the facsimile format (that is, the facsimile signal) is
outputted from the modem 18 to the telephone line. Normally, the
facsimile signal is transmitted via the telephone line to the
communication opposite party identified by the destination
telephone number. After the step S95B, the current execution cycle
of the program segment ends.
[0166] The step S96 decides whether or not information of the
destination or the address of an e-mail to be transmitted has been
inputted via the operation panel 7F. In addition, the step S96
decides whether or not the start button on the operation panel 7F
has been depressed. In the case where information of the
destination of an e-mail to be transmitted has been inputted and
the start button on the operation panel 7F has been depressed, the
program advances from the step S96 to a step S97. Otherwise, the
program repeats the step S96. Thus, the step S96 waits the
reception of information of an e-mail destination and the
depression of the start button.
[0167] The step S97 activates the scanner 6 so that an image of the
surface of a document sheet in the scanner 6 is converted by the
scanner 6 into corresponding binary image data (corresponding
bi-level image data). A step S98A following the step S97 transfers
the binary image data from the scanner 6 to the data
compressor/expander 8A. Then, the step S98A activates the data
compressor/expander 8A so that the binary image data is compressed
by the device 8 into compression-resultant image data of a given
facsimile format. Further, the step S98A transfers the
compression-resultant image data of the facsimile format from the
data compressor/expander 8A to the storage unit 4 before storing
the compression-resultant image data of the facsimile format into
the storage unit 4. In the case where the transmission of
information on a plurality of document sheets (that is, a plurality
of pages) is required, the document sheets are sequentially scanned
by the device 6 and the compression-resultant image data of the
facsimile format is stored into the storage unit 4 as a single file
having a plurality of pages.
[0168] A step S98B following the step S98A transfers the
compression-resultant image data of the facsimile format from the
storage unit 4 to the format converter 5. The step S98B activates
the format converter 5 so that the compression-resultant image data
of the facsimile format is converted by the device 5 into
corresponding image data of the e-mail format. In addition, the
step S98B transfers the image data of the e-mail format from the
format converter 5 to the storage unit 4 before storing the image
data of the e-mail format into the storage unit 4.
[0169] A step S99 subsequent to the step S98B transfers the image
data of the e-mail format from the storage unit 4 to the LAN
controller 9. The step S99 activates the LAN controller 9 so that
the image data of the e-mail format is further transferred from the
LAN controller 9 to an e-mail computer 9A. The image data of the
e-mail format, that is, an e-mail, is transmitted from the e-mail
computer 9A to the destination via an e-mail network 9B. After the
step S99, the current execution cycle of the program segment
ends.
Thirteenth Embodiment
[0170] A thirteenth embodiment of this invention is similar to the
embodiment of FIGS. 24 and 25 except for design changes described
hereinafter.
[0171] FIG. 26 is a flowchart of a segment of a program for
controlling a CPU 1 (see FIG. 24) in the thirteenth embodiment.
With reference to FIG. 26, a first step S101 in the program segment
decides whether or not data of the e-mail format has been received
by a LAN controller 9 (see FIG. 24). This decision is to wait the
reception of data of the e-mail format. In the case where data of
the e-mail format has been received, the step S101 transfers the
received data of the e-mail format to a storage unit 4 (see FIG.
24). The step S101 controls the storage unit 4 so that the received
data of the e-mail format is stored into the storage unit 4.
[0172] A step S102 following the step S101 decides whether or not
the received data of the e-mail format agrees with image data of
the e-mail format by referring to related information in the header
of the received data of the e-mail format. When the received data
agrees with image data, the program advances from the step S102 to
a step S103. When the received data differs from image data, the
program advances from the step S102 to a step S104. The step S103
transfers the received data of the e-mail format from the storage
unit 4 to an inverse format converter 10 (see FIG. 24). The step
S103 activates the inverse format converter 10 so that the received
data of the e-mall format is converted by the device 10 into
corresponding image data of a given facsimile format. The step 104
controls a LAN controller 9 (see FIG. 24) so that a responsive
e-mail representing an error will be transmitted to the source
concerning the received data of the e-mail format. After the step
S104, the current execution cycle of the program segment ends.
[0173] A step S105 following the step S103 transfers the image data
of the facsimile format from the inverse format converter 10 to a
data compressor/expander 8A (see FIG. 24). The step S105 activates
the data compressor/expander 8A so that the image data of the
facsimile format is expanded by the device 8A into
expansion-resultant binary image data (expansion-resultant bi-level
image data). Further, the step S105 transfers the
expansion-resultant binary image data from the data
compressor/expander 8A to the storage unit 4 before storing the
expansion-resultant binary image data into the storage unit 4.
[0174] A step S106 subsequent to the step S105 transfers the
expansion-resultant binary image data from the storage unit 4 to a
printer 11 (see FIG. 24). The step S106 activates the printer 11 so
that the expansion-resultant binary image data is visualized or
printed out by the device 11.
[0175] A step S107 following the step S106 decides whether or not a
reception waiting flag has been set. When the reception waiting
flag has been set, the program advances from the step S107 to a
step S108. Otherwise, the program exits from the step S107, and the
current execution cycle of the program segment ends.
[0176] The step 108 controls the LAN controller 9 so that an e-mail
representing a reception notice will be transmitted to a
previously-registered terminal (a previously-registered terminal
station). After the step S108, the current execution cycle of the
program segment ends.
[0177] Setting the reception waiting flag is implemented by
previously transmitting an e-mail in which a text has "!RCV SET"
according to the format of FIG. 17. Resetting the reception waiting
flag is implemented by transmitting an e-mail in which a text has
"!RCV RESET" according to the format of FIG. 17.
Fourteenth Embodiment
[0178] A fourteenth embodiment of this invention is similar to the
embodiment of FIGS. 24 and 25 except for design changes described
hereinafter.
[0179] FIG. 27 is a flowchart of a segment of a program for
controlling a CPU 1 (see FIG. 24) in the fourteenth embodiment.
With reference to FIG. 27, a first step S110 in the program segment
decides whether or not image data of the e-mail format (an e-mail)
has been received by a LAN controller 9 (see FIG. 24). This
decision is to wait the reception of image data of the e-mail
format. In the case where image data of the e-mail format has been
received, the step S110 transfers the received image data of the
e-mail format to a storage unit 4 (see FIG. 24). The step S110
controls the storage unit 4 so that the received image data of the
e-mail format is stored into the storage unit 4.
[0180] A step S111 following the step S110 transfers the received
image data of the e-mail format from the storage unit 4 to an
inverse format converter 10 (see FIG. 24). The step S111 activates
the inverse format converter 10 so that the received image data of
the e-mail format is converted by the device 10 into corresponding
image data of a given facsimile format. Then, the step S111
transfers the image data of the facsimile format from the inverse
format converter 10 to the storage unit 4 before storing the image
data of the facsimile format into the storage unit 4.
[0181] A step S112 subsequent to the step S111 analyzes the
"Subject" part of the header of the received e-mail. In the case
where the analyzed "Subject" part of the header includes a
requirement for facsimile transmission, the step S112 extracts
information of a destination telephone number from a portion of the
received e-mail which immediately follows the "Subject" part.
[0182] A step S113 following the step S112 decides whether or not a
requirement for facsimile transmission is present. When a
requirement for facsimile transmission is present, the program
advances from the step S113 to a step S114. Otherwise, the program
advances from the step S113 to a step S115A.
[0183] The step S114 transfers the image data of the facsimile
format from the storage unit 4 to a modem 18 (see FIG. 24). The
step S114 activates the modem 18 so that the image data of the
facsimile format (that is, the facsimile signal) is outputted from
the modem 18 to a telephone line. Normally, the facsimile signal is
transmitted via the telephone line to the communication opposite
party identified by the destination telephone number. After the
step S114, the current execution cycle of the program segment
ends.
[0184] A step S115A transfers the image data of the facsimile
format from the storage unit 4 to a data compressor/expander 8A
(see FIG. 24). The step S115A activates the data
compressor/expander 8A so that the image data of the facsimile
format is expanded by the device 8A into expansion-resultant binary
image data (expansion-resultant bi-level image data). Further, the
step S115A transfers the expansion-resultant binary image data from
the data compressor/expander 8A to the storage unit 4 before
storing the expansion-resultant binary image data into the storage
unit 4.
[0185] A step S115B subsequent to the step S115A transfers the
expansion-resultant binary image data from the storage unit 4 to a
printer 11 (see FIG. 24). The step S115B activates the printer 11
so that the expansion-resultant binary image data is visualized or
printed out by the device 11. After the step S115B, the current
execution cycle of the program segment ends.
Fifteenth Embodiment
[0186] FIG. 28 shows a fifteenth embodiment of this invention which
is similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 24 and 25 except for an
additional arrangement described hereinafter.
[0187] With reference to FIG. 28, an electronic mail system
includes a CPU 1, a ROM 2, a RAM 3, a storage unit 4, a format
converter 5, a scanner 6, an operation panel 7F, a data
compressor/expander 8A, a LAN (local area network) controller 9, an
inverse format converter 10, a printer 11, a font memory 12, a
character recognition unit 13, an audio input/output device 14, an
audio compressor/expander 15, a video input/output device 16, a
moving-picture compressor/expander 17, a modem 18, and a world
clock 19 which are electrically connected via a bus line. The world
clock 19 generates information of standard time in every country in
the world.
[0188] The CPU 1 operates in accordance with a program stored in
the ROM 2. FIG. 29 is a flowchart of a segment of the program. With
reference to FIG. 29, a first step S121 in the program segment
decides whether or not information of the destination or the
address of an e-mail to be transmitted has been inputted via the
operation panel 7F. In the case where the information of the
destination of an e-mail to be transmitted has been inputted, the
program advances from the step S121 to a step S122. Otherwise, the
program repeats the step S121. Thus, the step S121 waits the
reception of destination information.
[0189] The step S122 sets desired time for e-mail transmission
which is expressed according to standard time in a country having
an e-mail destination. A step S123 following the step S122 decides
whether or not the start button on the operation panel 7F has been
depressed. In the case where the start button on the operation
panel 7F has been depressed, the program advances from the step
S123 to a step S124. Otherwise, the program repeats the step S123.
Thus, the step S123 waits the depression of the start button.
[0190] The step S124 activates the scanner 6 so that an image of
the surface of a document sheet in the scanner 6 is converted by
the scanner 6 into corresponding binary image data (corresponding
bi-level image data). A step S125A following the step S124
transfers the binary image data from the scanner 6 to the data
compressor/expander 8A. Then, the step S125A activates the data
compressor/expander 8A so that the binary image data is compressed
by the device 8A into compression-resultant image data of a given
facsimile format. Further, the step S125A transfers the
compression-resultant image data of the facsimile format from the
data compressor/expander 8A to the storage unit 4 before storing
the compression-resultant image data of the facsimile format into
the storage unit 4.
[0191] A step S125B following the step S125A transfers the
compression-resultant image data of the facsimile format from the
storage unit 4 to the format converter 5. In addition, the step
S125B transfers the information of the e-mail destination to the
format converter 5. The step S125B activates the format converter 5
so that the compression-resultant image data of the facsimile
format is converted by the device 5 into corresponding image data
of the e-mail format. Further, the step S125B transfers the image
data of the e-mail format from the format converter 5 to the
storage unit 4 before storing the image data of the e-mail format
into the storage unit 4.
[0192] A step S126 following the step S125B detects a destination's
country from the information of the e-mail destination. It is
well-known that an end part of information of an e-mail destination
indicates the destination's country. A step S127 subsequent to the
step S126 detects present time in the destination's country by
referring to the information generated by the world clock 19. The
step S127 decides whether or not the present time in the
destination's country reaches the desired time for e-mail
transmission. This decision is to wait a moment at which the
present time in the destination's country reaches the desired time
for e-mail transmission. In the case where the present time in the
destination's county reaches the desired time for e-mail
transmission, the step S127 transfers the image data of the e-mail
format from the storage unit 4 to the LAN controller 9. The step
S127 activates the LAN controller 9 so that the image data of the
e-mail format is further transferred from the LAN controller 9 to
an e-mail computer 9A. The image data of the e-mail format, that
is, an e-mail, is transmitted from the e-mail computer 9A to the
destination via an e-mail network 9B. After the step S127, the
current execution cycle of the program segment ends.
Sixteenth Embodiment
[0193] A sixteenth embodiment of this invention is similar to the
embodiment of FIGS. 24 and 25 except for design changes described
hereinafter.
[0194] FIG. 30 is a flowchart of a segment of a program for
controlling a CPU 1 (see FIG. 24) in the sixteenth embodiment. With
reference to FIG. 30, a first step S131 in the program segment
decides whether or not image data of the e-mail format (an e-mail)
has been received by a LAN controller 9 (see FIG. 24). This
decision is to wait the reception of image data of the e-mail
format. In the case where image data of the e-mail format has been
received, the step S131 transfers the received image data of the
e-mail format to a storage unit 4 (see FIG. 24). The step S131
controls the storage unit 4 so that the received image data of the
e-mail format is stored into the storage unit 4.
[0195] A step S132 following the step S131 transfers the received
image data of the e-mail format from the storage unit 4 to an
inverse format converter 10 (see FIG. 24). The step S132 activates
the inverse format converter 10 so that the received image data of
the e-mail format is converted by the device 10 into corresponding
image data of the facsimile format.
[0196] A step S133 subsequent to the step S132 transfers the image
data of the facsimile format from the inverse format converter 10
to the storage unit 4, and then storing the image data of the
facsimile format into a box which is provided in the storage unit 4
for the related destination. It should be noted that boxes provided
in the storage unit 4 have a correspondence relation with
previously-registered owner's ID information and
previously-registered pass words.
[0197] A step S134 following the step S133 decides whether or not
owner's ID information and a pass word are inputted. This decision
is to wait the reception of owner's ID information and a pass word.
In the case where owner's ID information and a pass word are
inputted, the step S134 decides whether or not the inputted owner's
ID information and the inputted pass word are acceptable. In the
case where the inputted owner's ID information and the inputted
pass word are acceptable, the program advances from the step S134
to a step S135A. Otherwise, the current execution cycle of the
program segment ends.
[0198] The step S135A reads out the image data of the facsimile
format from the box in the storage unit 4 which corresponds to the
inputted owner's ID information and the inputted pass word. The
step S135A transfers the image data of the facsimile format to a
data compressor/expander 8A (see FIG. 24). The step S135A activates
the data compressor/expander 8A so that the image data of the
facsimile format is expanded by the device 8A into
expansion-resultant binary image data (expansion-resultant bi-level
image data).
[0199] A step S135B subsequent to the step S135A transfers the
expansion-resultant binary image data from the data
compressor/expander 8A to a printer 11 (see FIG. 24). The step
S135B activates the printer 11 so that the expansion-resultant
binary image data is visualized or printed out by the device 11.
After the step S135B, the current execution cycle of the program
segment ends.
Seventeenth Embodiment
[0200] A seventeenth embodiment of this invention is similar to the
embodiment of FIG. 30 except for design changes described
hereinafter. In the seventeenth embodiment, the step S134 is
omitted from the program segment of FIG. 30, and the step S133 is
immediately followed by the step S135A.
[0201] Information of owner's cover sheet is previously registered
in a related box of a storage unit 4 (see FIG. 24). The
registration is implemented by using a scanner 6 (see FIG. 24) or
transmitting an e-mail having a cover-sheet registering
instruction.
[0202] In the seventeenth embodiment, the step S135B is modified so
that information of a cover sheet is read out from the storage unit
4, and the information of the cover sheet is added to
expansion-resultant binary image data. Accordingly, a combination
of the cover-sheet information and the expansion-resultant binary
image data is visualized or printed out by a printer 11 (see FIG.
24).
Eighteenth Embodiment
[0203] An eighteenth embodiment of this invention is similar to the
embodiment of FIGS. 24 and 25 except for design changes described
hereinafter.
[0204] FIG. 31 is a flowchart of a segment of a program for
controlling a CPU 1 (see FIG. 24) in the eighteenth embodiment.
With reference to FIG. 31, a first step S141 in the program segment
decides whether or not image data of the e-mail format (an, e-mail)
has been received by a LAN controller 9 (see FIG. 24). This
decision is to wait the reception of image data of the e-mail
format. In the case where image data of the e-mail format has been
received, the step S141 transfers the received image data of the
e-mail format to a storage unit 4 (see FIG. 24). The step S141
controls the storage unit 4 so that the received image data of the
e-mail format is stored into the storage unit 4.
[0205] A step S142 following the step S141 transfers the received
image data of the e-mail format from the storage unit 4 to an
inverse format converter 10 (see FIG. 24). The step S142 activates
the inverse format converter 10 so that the received image data of
the e-mail format is converted by the device 10 into corresponding
image data of a given facsimile format. The step S142 transfers the
image data of the facsimile format to the storage unit 4 before
storing the image data of the facsimile format into the storage
unit 4.
[0206] A step S143A following the step S142 transfers the image
data of the facsimile format from the storage unit 4 to a data
compressor/expander 8A (see FIG. 24). The step S143A activates the
data compressor/expander 8A so that the image data of the facsimile
format is expanded by the device 8A into expansion-resultant binary
image data (expansion-resultant bi-level image data).
[0207] A step S143B subsequent to the step S143A transfers the
expansion-resultant binary image data from the data
compressor/expander 8A to a printer 11 (see FIG. 24). The step
S143B activates the printer 11 so that the expansion-resultant
binary image data is visualized or printed out by the device
11.
[0208] A step S144 detects information of the address of a sender
related to the received e-mail. The step 144 controls a IAN
controller 9 (see FIG. 24) so that a responsive e-mail confirming
e-mail reception will be transmitted to the sender address. After
the step S144, the current execution cycle of the program segment
ends.
Nineteenth Embodiment
[0209] A nineteenth embodiment of this invention is similar to the
embodiment of FIGS. 24 and 25 except for design changes described
hereinafter.
[0210] FIG. 32 is a flowchart of a segment of a program for
controlling a CPU 1 (see FIG. 24) in the nineteenth embodiment.
With reference to FIG. 32, a first step S151 in the program segment
decides whether or not image data of the e-mail format (an e-mall)
has been received by a IAN controller 9 (see FIG. 24). This
decision is to wait the reception of image data of the e-mail
format. In the case where image data of the e-mail format has been
received, the step S151 transfers the received image data of the
e-mail format to a storage unit 4 (see FIG. 24). lone step S151
controls the storage unit 4 so that the received image data of the
e-mail format is stored into the storage unit 4.
[0211] A step S152 following the step S151 transfers the received
image data of the e-mail format from the storage unit 4 to an
inverse format converter 10 (see FIG. 24). The step S152 activates
the inverse format converter 10 so that the received image data of
the e-mail format is converted by the device 10 into corresponding
image data of a given facsimile format.
[0212] A step S153A following the step S152 adds reception ID
information to the image data of the facsimile format. The
reception ID information is generated on the basis of date and time
unique for one year. The step S153A transfers the ID-added image
data of the facsimile format to the storage unit 4 before storing
the ID-added image data of the facsimile format into the storage
unit 4.
[0213] A step S153B subsequent to the step S153A transfers the
ID-added image data of the facsimile format from the storage unit 4
to a data compressor/expander 8A (see FIG. 24). The step S153B
activates the data compressor/expander 8A so that the ID-added
image data of the facsimile format is expanded by the device 8A
into expansion-resultant binary image data (expansion-resultant
bi-level image data).
[0214] A step S153C subsequent to the step S153B transfers the
expansion-resultant binary image data from the data
compressor/expander 8A to a printer 11 (see FIG. 24). The step
S153C activates the printer 11 so that the expansion-resultant
binary image data is visualized or printed out by the device
11.
[0215] A step S154 following the step S153C decides whether or not
information equal to the reception ID information added to the
image data has been inputted via an operation panel 7F (see FIG.
24). In the case where such reception ID information has been
inputted, the program advances from the step S154 to a step S155.
Otherwise, the program repeats the step S154. Thus, the step S154
waits the reception of the ID information.
[0216] The step S155 analyzes the header of the received e-mail,
and thereby detects a sender address corresponding to the reception
ID information. The step S155 controls a LAN controller 9 (see FIG.
24) so that a responsive confirmation e-mail will be transmitted to
the sender address. After the step S155, the current execution
cycle of the program segment ends.
Twentieth Embodiment
[0217] A twentieth embodiment of this invention is similar to the
embodiment of FIGS. 24 and 25 except for design changes described
hereinafter.
[0218] FIG. 33 is a flowchart of a segment of a program for
controlling a CPU 1 (see FIG. 24) in the twentieth embodiment. With
reference to FIG. 33, a first step S161 in the program segment
decides whether or not character code data in an e-mail has been
received by a LAN controller 9 (see FIG. 24). This decision is to
wait the reception of character code data in an e-mail. In the case
where the character code data in the e-mail has been received, the
program advances from the step S161 to a step S162. The step S162
analyzes the "From" part of the header of the e-mail to detect a
sender address.
[0219] A step S163 following the step S162 decides whether or not
the sender address agrees with a given address assigned to the
present e-mail system. When the sender address agrees with the
given address, the program advances from the step S163 to a step
S164. Otherwise, the program advances from the step S163 to a step
S165.
[0220] The step S164 transfers a signal indicative of a
transmission failure to a printer 11 (see FIG. 24). The step S164
activates the printer 11 so that the transmission failure signal is
visualized or printed out by the device 11. After the step S164,
the current execution cycle of the program segment ends.
[0221] The step S165 converts character code data in the text into
corresponding image data. A step S166 following the step S165
transfers the image data to the printer 11. The step S166 activates
the printer 11 so that the image data is visualized or printed out
by the device 11. After the step S166, the current execution cycle
of the program segment ends.
Other Embodiments
[0222] Any one of the second embodiment to the twentieth embodiment
may be modified to indicate character code data in the received
e-mail on a display such as a CRT. The CRT may also be used to
indicate moving pictures.
[0223] At least two of the first embodiment to the twentieth
embodiment may be combined into an electronic mail system.
* * * * *